Comparison of the Effect of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) with Medical Treatment in Patients with Overactive Bladder

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Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common problem that involves therapeutic challenges. Therefore, finding new and effective treatment modalities in these patients is essential. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effect of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) with drug therapy in patients with OAB.

Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 74 patients with OAB were randomly divided into two groups: PTNS (twice a week for 12 weeks) and drug treatment (Solifenacin 10 mg daily for 12 weeks). OAB Symptom Score, q-OAB and Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQL) were completed and then compared at the beginning and end of the study for the two groups. Findings were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.

Results: The drug intervention group consisted of 33 (89.2%) females and 4 males (10.81%), and PTNS group consisted of 31 females (83.8%) and 6 males (16.21%), (P = 0.496). Mean quality of life score, mean OABSS score, OAB screening score and urinary incontinence in both groups before the intervention did not show a statistically significant difference. After treatment, the mean quality of life in both groups increased significantly compared to before the intervention, but this increase was significantly higher in PTNS when compared with other group (74.2±6.9 vs. 68.9± 7.3). The mean OABSS score, OAB screening score and urinary incontinence in both groups decreased significantly compared to before treatment, but the mean OABSS score and OAB and urinary incontinence screening scores showed a significant decrease in PTNS group compared to drug treatment.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, PTNS was found to be more effective than drug treatment in increasing the quality of life and controlling symptoms of OAB.